Today U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade ruled in favor of equality, striking down Alabama’s discriminatory constitutional amendment banning same-sex couples from marrying. Granade, appointed by President George W. Bush, stated in her ruling:

There is no law prohibiting infertile couples, elderly couples, or couples who do not wish to procreate from marrying. Nor does the state prohibit recognition of marriages between such couples from other states. The Attorney General fails to demonstrate any rational, much less compelling, link...the laws in question are an irrational way of promoting biological relationships in Alabama.

“Judge Granade’s ruling today affirms what we already know to be true – that all loving, committed Alabama couples should have the right to marry,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a landmark case on marriage equality, today’s ruling joins the dozens and dozens of others that have recognized that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples deserve equal treatment under the law.”

"Alabama families--LGBT or not--simply want to provide for their children in a community that includes and affirms them, under laws that protect them equally and fairly," said HRC Alabama director Ashley Jackson. "This ruling is a key step forward to achieving those equal dreams, and HRC Alabama congratulates all the advocates who made this day possible."

There was no stay placed on the ruling. In the absence of a successful stay request by the state, couples can begin applying for marriage licenses as soon as clerks offices open. HRC congratulates the plaintiffs, Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand, and attorneys, Christine Hernandez and David Kennedy, on this historic victory.